In 1905, James Leonard, Walter Crosset, and George Riley founded Leonard, Crosset & Riley (LCR), a wholesale produce business in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the beginning, the company handled only a few commodities: primarily potatoes, onions, cabbage, rutabagas, and watermelons. In 1907, Walter established a buying office in Michigan to procure potatoes directly from Michigan and Northern Ohio growers. This model proved successful, and buying offices were opened in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Idaho, and Maine, where over 75% of potatoes are grown. As the volume grew, LCR expanded its sales and service area, first to Dayton, then Columbus, and Indianapolis. At the peak of its operation, LCR shipped over 25,000 railcars of potatoes annually to nearly every state.
In 1934, Walter’s sons, Richard (Dick) and Robert Crosset, bought out Leonard and Riley, and LCR became Crosset Company, Inc. In 1945, Dick’s son, Richard, Jr. joined the company, and he later served as President and CEO until the sale of the company. The Crosset Company continued to increase the number of produce items available to their customers, and by 1957 was a full line produce wholesaler. In 1964, Crosset Company expanded its service offering to include direct delivery to retail stores, along with merchandising advice and assistance. Soon, the company was servicing more than 550 retailers across six states.
Crosset Company remained family-owned until a group of private investors purchased it in 1989. Crosset Company became part of the Castellini Group of Companies in June 1993, allowing it to increase the reach of its retail coverage, enhance its repack and value-added operations, and strengthen its grower relationships. With the acquisition of Atlanta-based General Produce in 2014, the Castellini Group of Companies further expanded the geographic reach, logistics services, and product offerings of the Crosset Company, making it a leading full-service distributor of organic and conventional fresh produce and floral products to customers located east of the Mississippi River.
Across four generations of growth and into the future, the Crosset Company remains steadfast in its passion for the produce industry, customer-first focus, service excellence, and culture of family, community, and opportunity.
Vision
To be recognized as the premier distributor of certified organic produce, delivering sustainable, profitable growth for our customers and suppliers and delighting the communities they serve.
Mission
Crosset Company is a member of the Castellini Group of Companies. We distribute high quality, safe, certified organic and conventional produce to everyone. We deliver fresher, delight shoppers, simplify supply chains, and contribute to the growth of healthy food options through our customers’ success.
Values
Our core values reflect our heritage, culture, and passion for helping our customers succeed:
Integrity: We operate with the highest ethical standards with our customers, suppliers, and employees. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Service Excellence: We are professional, efficient, and timely. We continuously improve our service and measure our progress.
Food Safety: Food safety is a core value that guides every aspect of our business.
Sustainability: We are committed to being socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.
Partnerships: We create and value long-term partnerships with our customers and suppliers, and we are dedicated to their success.
People: Our people make it happen. We are passionate produce professionals who excel in our responsibilities, work tirelessly for our external and internal customers, and deliver results.